Investigating safety and risk disparity between personally owned and shared micromobility modes.
Project Description
This research examines the safety implications of the increasing popularity of micromobility, particularly focusing on shared e-bikes and bicycles. The study has three main goals: comparing crashes involving shared e-bikes and bicycles, understanding how safety trends for personally owned e-bikes are changing, and identifying differences in safety between personally owned and shared e-scooters. The research seeks to uncover patterns, risk factors, and disparities in micromobility-related accidents by analyzing existing data and collaborating with industry partners to conduct surveys. By analyzing detailed crash reports and new injury codes related to micromobility, the project aims to provide evidence to inform policies and improve infrastructure, ultimately enhancing overall transportation safety. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the project enhances our understanding of micromobility safety and provides invaluable learning experiences. Ultimately, the research endeavors to inform policymakers, practitioners, and the public on strategies to mitigate safety risks associated with the proliferation of micromobility modes in urban environments.
Outputs
In addition to a Final Research Report, this project will yield a range of key outputs aimed at publishing its findings and insights. These outputs include one or more technical papers intended for peer review and at least one conference abstract or presentation. The technical papers will offer comprehensive analyses and findings addressing the three research questions outlined, shedding light on various aspects such as the comparative safety of shared e-bikes and bicycles, the evolving trends in personally owned e-bike crashes, and the safety disparities between personally owned and shared e-scooters. By investigating these areas, the research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the safety risks associated with emerging micromobility modes, thereby informing policy decisions and infrastructure enhancements to bolster overall transportation safety. Given the current surge in the adoption of micromobility devices, the insights from this research will be particularly valuable in guiding efforts to address safety challenges and promote safer transportation environments.
Outcomes / Impacts
Overall, the trends, risk factors, and disparities identified by this research will likely directly impact changes within the transportation system, affecting regulatory, legislative, and policy frameworks and practical applications to enhance micromobility safety. The study will result in two main outcomes. First, we will publish at least one technical paper summarizing the research findings, methodologies employed, and key insights gained from the study from one of the three research objectives. Given the existing datasets, research question 2 will have the highest chance of success. This paper will be peer-reviewed and published in a reputable academic journal specializing in transportation safety, urban planning, or related fields. We will also produce an updated whitepaper focused on e-bike safety literature. It will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding and addressing the safety challenges of emerging transportation modes.
Second, the research will serve as a consolidated resource for stakeholders interested in addressing safety challenges associated with emerging micromobility technologies. If significant differences in crash types between shared e-bikes and bicycles are revealed, it could lead to profound implications for micromobility safety policies and infrastructure planning. Understanding the distinct crash characteristics associated with each mode will enable policymakers and urban planners to implement targeted interventions to mitigate specific risks. For instance, measures could be implemented to enhance rider education, modify infrastructure design, or implement speed management strategies if shared e-bikes are more prone to certain crashes, such as collisions at higher speeds or in congested urban areas. Similarly, if the trends for personally owned e-bike crashes are evolving differently from current trends with shared e-bikes, it could necessitate a reassessment of existing safety measures and regulatory frameworks. This may involve targeted outreach and education campaigns to raise awareness about safe riding practices and the importance of proper maintenance, as well as the development of new policies or incentives to encourage the adoption of safety features or technologies on personally owned e-bikes.
Dates
06/01/2024 to 05/31/2025
Universities
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Principal Investigator
Christopher Cherry
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
ORCID: 0000-0002-8835-4617
Bruce Appleyard
San Diego State University
ORCID: 0000-0003-2105-8079
Research Project Funding
Federal: $101,713
Contract Number
69A3552348336
Project Number
24UTK04
Research Priority
Promoting Safety